Coast Guard Cutter Grand Isle to return to homeport in Gloucester

BOSTON — The Coast Guard Cutter Grand Isle crew is scheduled to return home after a 7-month overhaul in the Coast Guard Yard, located in Baltimore, Md., at 3 p.m., Friday.

The Grand Isle is a 110-foot Island Class Patrol Boat.

Major work completed on the Grand Isle included the replacement of one diesel engine, two new shafts, two new propellers, two new rudders, two new stabilizing fins, a new reverse osmosis system (used to turn salt water into potable water), and a replacement of over 530-square feet of the hull. The total cost for the 30-week project was approximately $2.7 million.

“It’s great to have them back,” said Lt. Joe Klinker, the 1st Coast Guard District public affairs officer. “Our cutters provide a persistent presence throughout the maritime domain. With the Grand Isle back in Gloucester, that means one more crew working with the fishing fleets, one more ship protecting the ports, and one more opportunity for someone when they need us most.”